White Oak Tree

Common characteristics shared by all species of White Oak tree are short styles, sweet or somewhat bitter acorns that matures in 6 months, and hairless acorn shell interiors. Lobe tips usually display a rounded shape and the leaves mostly lack bristles on the lobe tips.

A few examples of commonly known White Oak species are White Oak Tree (Quercus alba), Swamp White Oak Tree (Quercus bicolor), Oriental White Oak Tree (Quercus aliena), Texas Live Oak Tree (Quercus fusiformis) and California White Oak Tree (Quercus lobata).

White Oak Tree

The White Oak Tree (Quercus alba) is the most valuable White oak species since its wood is highly appreciated. It is from this species that the entire White oak section derives its name. The White Oak Tree can become over 500 years old and the tallest known White Oak Tree is 44 metres in height. It is however more common for the White Oak Trees to stay around 30 metres. White Oak Trees living at high altitudes are significantly smaller and can look more like small bushes than real trees. White Oak Trees have been found at altitudes of 1,400 metres above sea level.

The leaves of the White Oak Tree will shift from glossy green to a strong red colour each fall. They are usually 12-22 centimetres long. Acorns from the White Oak Tree are tasty and much less bitter than Red Oak acorns. They are appreciated by hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts and Native Americans used them as food. Humans are not the only ones to enjoy White Oak Tree acorns; they are also a valuable source of energy for woodpeckers, squirrels, deer, turkeys and many other animals. The acorns can reach a size of 18 millimetres and will fall during early October.

Swamp White Oak Tree

The Swamp White Oak Tree (Quercus bicolor) grows in Canada and the United States. As the name suggests, the Swamp White Oak Tree appreciates swampy wetlands. Its geographical range stretches from the southern parts of Quebec and Maine to northern Alabama and North Carolina. Westwards, the range proceeds to southern Minnesota.

The Swamp White Oak Tree is utilized for lumber production. During the last few years, it has also grown to become a quite popular element in landscaping. Transplanting a Swamp White Oak Tree is comparatively easy. The Swamp White Oak Tree will stay relatively small and rarely exceeds 25 metres in height. The tallest known specimen was 29 metres tall.

The leaves of the Swamp White Oak Tree are broad; usually 12-18 centimetres long and 7-11 centimetres wide. They have 5-7 shallow lobes on each side. The acorns will require 6 months to mature and reach a size of 1.5 to 2.5 centimetres.